Can Thorpedo Anna Do the Hardest Thing?

Thorpedo Anna is set to test the limits of history as she takes on a formidable field of colts in the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga this Saturday. The stakes are high, as no filly has crossed the wire first in the Travers in 121 years, highlighting the immense challenge she faces.

The Travers, a gruelling 1 1/4-mile race known as the "Mid-Summer Derby," traditionally features top colts from the Triple Crown trail and emerging stars in the 3-year-old division. This year’s lineup includes strong contenders like Dornoch, Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Honor Marie, Unmatched Wisdom, Corporate Power, and Batten Down—seven stakes-winning colts who make this race even more competitive. Yet, the presence of Thorpedo Anna, the top-ranked 3-year-old filly in America, adds a unique dimension to this year’s edition.

Trained by Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna has dominated her competition within the fillies' division, winning all four of her 2024, races by a combined margin of 18 3/4 lengths. Her victories have been decisive, with Brian Hernandez Jr. guiding her to effortless wins, including the Fantasy Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn and the prestigious Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs, where she triumphed despite adverse conditions.

Her Saratoga campaign has been equally impressive, overcoming setbacks like losing a shoe in the Acorn Stakes (G1) and breaking poorly in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), yet still winning comfortably. These performances solidify her reputation as a filly with exceptional talent and versatility.

However, despite her dominance, the Travers presents unique challenges. The seven colts she faces are physically strong and talented, making it a difficult task for a filly at this stage of her development. Historically, male horses tend to develop more physically during the summer of their 3-year-old seasons, which could pose a disadvantage for Thorpedo Anna. The only filly to attempt the Travers in the last 44 years, Wonder Gadot, finished last in 2018.

Distance is another concern. The Travers’ 10-furlong distance is a test Thorpedo Anna has never faced before, whereas five of her male competitors have already proven themselves at this distance. Although she receives a five-pound weight allowance, it may not be enough to counterbalance the challenge of stretching out to 1 1/4 miles.

Regardless of the outcome, Thorpedo Anna's attempt in the Travers is a bold and commendable sporting decision. Her connections recognise the value of testing her against the best in her division and are committed to keeping the spirit of true competition alive in the sport. Should she succeed, she will not only solidify her status as the leading filly of her generation but also become a historic figure, potentially clinching Horse of the Year honours.

Can Thorpedo Anna accomplish what hasn’t been done in over a century? With her undeniable talent and tenacity, there’s every reason to believe she can.